Meet Our Current Fellows

Cristina Castillo-Nelson

Why an OB Fellowship

During medical school in California, I immediately fell in love with OB. As fourth year approached, I faced the choice between Family Medicine with OB and OB/GYN. I loved the continuity of care, the focus on prevention, and the holistic approach of family medicine, but I also loved the technical, hands-on nature of the OR, deliveries, and C-sections. I wanted to do both, and as I researched residency programs and fellowships, I quickly discovered that I could. During fourth year, I completed a rotation in Duluth with the Family Medicine Residency Program and had a great experience in full-spectrum family medicine. As an unopposed, inpatient heavy residency program, residents receive rigorous training in adult medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency medicine and outpatient medicine. In addition to the high-quality training, my husband and I also had supportive family in the area, so completing residency in Duluth was an easy choice. I received phenomenal training in both low and high-risk OB. Also, in addition to attending over 150 vaginal deliveries, I was also able to spend time in the OR starting first year. By the end of third year (when I was a C-section resident and took extra call), I had done or helped with over 100 C-sections. However, to practice full-spectrum family medicine in surgical and advanced OB in a rural setting, I knew I needed to strengthen my skills, see more complications, and feel as confident as possible before practicing OB on my own.

Future Practice/Practice Interests

I plan to practice full-scope family medicine with surgical OB in Grand Rapids, MN (1.5 hours Northwest of Duluth).

Extra-Curricular Interests

I love spending time outdoors with my husband and kids, traveling the world, and especially visiting my family in Spain and California. We love the Boundary Waters, biking, running, skiing, and yoga.

Why this OB Fellowship

From my experiences in residency in Duluth, I knew this OB Fellowship was the ideal completion of my training. I love working with the OB/GYNs and the nursing staff, and teaching residents here at the Birth Place. I'm also looking forward to getting additional training in ICU, EM, and NICU, which will all strengthen my skills as a full-spectrum family doc.

Leo Bay

Why an OB Fellowship

I had a very limited exposure to OB in medical school, I picked a residency that would increase that exposure, I had no idea when I started residency that I would enjoy OB so much. Once I gained the passion for OB I knew I wanted to ensure that I had the skills to provide the best care to my patients whatever they needed. I love the unique experience I have as an FP-OB to care for mother and baby both during pregnancy and beyond. Some of my favorite patient encounters have been seeing and caring for the babies I delivered.

Future Practice/Practice Interests

I am excited to be going to a full scope practice in Northern Wisconsin.

Extra-Curricular Interests

If I am not in the hospital you will find me adventuring with my family. We are loving exploring Duluth including the museums, trails and food here.

Why this OB Fellowship

The Essentia program was unique to me in its relationships, I get to spend time working with dedicated OBGYNs, FP/OB, and residents. The Essentia OBGYN faculty are the people that I will be partnering with in my future practice for my most complex cases and learning from them is a wonderful opportunity. The program gives me the chance to spend three months in a community working with other FP/OB providers doing what I will be doing once I complete my training. Finally, I have always loved teaching and the interaction between the Essentia Fellowship and the Duluth Family Medicine Residency allows me to keep building my skills as a teacher in a variety of settings.

Advance your skills as full-spectrum family medicine physician. Become an OB fellow at Essentia Health.